LEO XIV

An overview of the life and career of the man born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago in 1955, who became Leo XIV, the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church.

Unfolding across five chapters, the text first explores Prevost’s early life as a child who “wanted to play priest” and chose to attend junior seminary after eighth grade. This dedication to rigorous study marked the beginning of his path to priesthood. What followed was a meteoric rise within the global Catholic community and as a result of these successes, including many years serving the church in Peru, his nomination to the papacy in 2025. The text strikes a balance between attempting to humanize Prevost and presenting the Vatican’s pontiff; anecdotes injected with humor contrast, sometimes jarringly, with stories of his virtuous achievements and his great intelligence. Steffens addresses criticisms of Leo’s ideological approach; however, some complex scenarios surrounding Prevost’s handling of sexual assault accusations toward clergy are condensed, to the detriment of nuanced treatment of the subject, and the resolution of these sections feels lukewarm. Discussions of Leo’s stance on contemporary issues, such as AI and environmental concerns, ground the text. Quotes from Prevost’s classmates and peers appear throughout, adding fresh perspectives. Religious terminology is sometimes defined in the text, and frequent photographs complement or expand upon the information provided in the text.

A fair and comprehensive biography of a world religious leader.